3 Things Every Basement Remodel Should Include

Do you feel like you’re running out of space? Are your kids demanding their own room? Fortunately, the answer to your space problems could be right under your feet.

Basements make up about one-third of an entire home. Imagine all that extra usable space. You might be using this area as a laundry room and/or junk room. However, a fresh basement remodel could turn this spot into something amazing.

When beautifully renovated, these underused areas could provide a wealth of purposes. For instance, you could turn that damp, dingy basement into a wine cellar, gym, office, playroom, or even guest bedroom. Perhaps you’re interested in a home theater, wet bar, or extra living room. A basement could foot the bill easily.

Once you decide what use and purpose a finished basement could fulfill, you can start the remodeling process. Keep in mind, this project will take planning and organization. You have to use the space to your advantage. For instance, consider the size, ventilation, and illumination. Fortunately, there are a few things every basement redesign should have to get you started.

Lighting As you might have guessed, natural lighting is one of the most common problems when renewing a basement. Since the basement is below ground, light has a hard time getting in. How do you get around this? Consider “tricking” the eye by washing the walls with light or using recessed lights and sconces near the walls. Dropped or suspended ceilings easily work with these types of lights. Think about lighting your basement vertically, with each layer of lighting creating a warm effect. Task lighting and accent lighting are great for highlighting certain areas as well, like a reading nook. Focusing on lighting walls makes the space feel bigger while simulating that natural light you’re looking for.

Storage No matter what function your basement provides, having ample storage space is a must. Consider built-in cabinets and shelves to display décor or keep popular items accessible. This is great for keeping cleaning supplies, toys, and other items organized. Have seasonal items secured and covered in bins, or use baskets to keep other belongings off the floor.

Furthermore, if you have stairs, try converting the area beneath into a storage unit. You can carve out your own storage area without taking up more room. Gym equipment, craft supplies, hand-me-downs, toys, and more can be easily kept out of site in a beautiful staircase built-in.

Fireplace Adding a fireplace remains one of the easiest basement finishing ideas out there. Not only does this add visual interest, but it also invites warmth and ambience. It’s a great way to heat the downstairs independently from the upstairs, too. If you already have a chimney, a gas fireplace would be the perfect addition. If you don’t have a chimney, a ventless gas fireplace is the right choice. Just picture yourself relaxing and enjoying your new basement while a fire flickers in a gorgeous, modern fireplace. You’ll be glad you made the investment!

So whether you need more room for guests, family, hobbies, or fun, renovating your basement should be one of your first considerations. After all, remodeling will save you time and money while recouping its value in the long run. Don’t forget to include a functional fireplace, storage solutions, and the right ambience to truly make your basement a dream come true.